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Microsoft to force updates to Windows 11 25H2 for PCs with older OS versions — 'intelligent' update system uses machine learning to determine when a device is ready
Winsage
April 4, 2026

Microsoft to force updates to Windows 11 25H2 for PCs with older OS versions — ‘intelligent’ update system uses machine learning to determine when a device is ready

Microsoft is updating devices running Windows 11 version 24H2 to version 25H2, as support for 24H2 will end on October 13, 2026. The automatic update targets Home and Pro editions, while organizational devices are exempt. An "intelligent" system using machine learning will determine device readiness for the update, though details on the criteria remain unclear. Additionally, Microsoft released an emergency update, KB5086672, to address issues from a previous faulty update, KB5079391, which caused installation failures.
'Every Microsoft engineer got a stopwatch,' says Windows veteran reminiscing about company's past focus on speed — asserts that 'everything' was timed to ensure acceptable performance in the 1980s
Winsage
April 4, 2026

‘Every Microsoft engineer got a stopwatch,’ says Windows veteran reminiscing about company’s past focus on speed — asserts that ‘everything’ was timed to ensure acceptable performance in the 1980s

Steven Sinofsky, a former president of Microsoft’s Windows Division, reflected on the coding practices at Microsoft during the 1980s, highlighting that every engineer received a stopwatch to promote efficiency. He noted that these stopwatches were used for tasks such as scroll speed, boot time, and resource management. Sinofsky stated that from 1980 to 2000, managing resource usage constituted half of software engineering. He shared a humorous anecdote about a colleague's request for a free stopwatch in 1993, which was deemed too expensive by Microsoft. In response to criticism regarding the performance of its Windows operating system, Microsoft has committed to improving performance, reducing overhead, and enhancing reliability across its services. The company aims to be more intentional about resource utilization and feature integration.
7 Ways to Fix Limbus Company Not Launching on a Windows PC
Winsage
April 4, 2026

7 Ways to Fix Limbus Company Not Launching on a Windows PC

Limbus Company, an indie gacha game, is experiencing technical issues on Windows PCs, with players unable to launch the game. Troubleshooting steps include: 1. Running the game as an administrator by navigating to the installation folder and adjusting properties. 2. Verifying the integrity of game files through Steam. 3. Disconnecting unnecessary USB devices. 4. Performing a clean boot to disable conflicting startup applications. 5. Updating graphics card drivers for compatibility. 6. Disabling integrated Intel GPUs in Device Manager to ensure the use of dedicated graphics cards. 7. Reinstalling the game on a solid-state drive (SSD) for better performance. Players can also contact the game's support service for further assistance.
Windows Use Among Gamers Falls, Linux Tops 5% For the First Time
Winsage
April 4, 2026

Windows Use Among Gamers Falls, Linux Tops 5% For the First Time

The latest Steam Hardware survey indicates that Windows usage among gamers has fallen below 93% for the first time, while Linux has surpassed 5%, reaching 5.3%. Windows 10's market share dropped nearly 15% in March 2026, and Windows 11 only gained 10.6% during the same period. macOS increased by 1.2%, while Linux grew by over 3.1%. Among Linux users, SteamOS Holo 64-bit is the leading distribution with a 25% share, attributed to the Steam Deck. Other distributions like Arch and Mint hold 8.8% and 6.9% of the market, respectively. There are also unnamed distributions referred to as "0 64 bit" and "64 bit," which may be experimental versions of SteamOS.
Best antivirus for Windows 11: Guide to choosing the right software
Tech Optimizer
April 4, 2026

Best antivirus for Windows 11: Guide to choosing the right software

Windows 11 provides a more secure environment than previous versions, but recovery remains a concern for users. Built-in protections are limited against threats like phishing and ransomware. The need for antivirus solutions has evolved to include comprehensive protection and recovery options. Basic threat prevention is often insufficient for home users and remote workers, who risk losing important files. Microsoft Defender offers a solid foundation, but products like Acronis True Image combine anti-malware capabilities with backup and recovery features. Antivirus software is essential for Windows 11 users, protecting against various malicious software. Modern antivirus programs offer real-time protection, web protection, and identity theft protection. Users must consider free versus paid solutions, as premium options typically provide advanced features. Top antivirus picks for Windows 11 in 2026 include Acronis True Image, Bitdefender Total Security, McAfee Total Protection, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Acronis True Image stands out for its dual functionality of prevention and recovery, utilizing AI-driven analysis to monitor unauthorized changes. Backup-focused alternatives like EaseUS Todo Backup Home and Macrium Reflect Home specialize in recovery but lack comprehensive antivirus protection. The choice between paid and free antivirus depends on whether Microsoft Defender meets users' needs. Paid suites generally offer deeper protection and advanced features. The best antivirus should provide robust protection while minimizing system impact, tailored to users' specific needs for prevention or recovery.
The best tool for playing obscure old PC games now supports the sublime FMV cheese of Crime Patrol 2: Drug Wars and a Lovecraftian adventure one YouTuber scored a 'terribly low 2/10'
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

The best tool for playing obscure old PC games now supports the sublime FMV cheese of Crime Patrol 2: Drug Wars and a Lovecraftian adventure one YouTuber scored a ‘terribly low 2/10’

ScummVM has expanded its focus beyond adventure games, allowing classic PC games to be played on various platforms, including modern Windows, Macs, and the Nintendo Wii. Notable lesser-known games include the '90s FMV shooters Crime Patrol and Crime Patrol 2: Drug Wars, which feature questionable acting and storylines about drug busts. Another mentioned title is Necronomicon: The Dawning of Darkness, which was completed in two hours and received a low rating of 2/10 from a YouTuber. ScummVM provides a comprehensive wiki page for acquiring supported games and an FAQ for guidance.
Give Your Laptop an Easy Upgrade with This Microsoft Bundle
Winsage
April 4, 2026

Give Your Laptop an Easy Upgrade with This Microsoft Bundle

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, originally priced at 9. The bundle includes Windows 11 Pro, valued at 9, which features enhanced security, multitasking capabilities, custom desktops, voice typing, and an AI assistant called CoPilot. It also includes Microsoft Office 2021, valued at 9.99, which contains applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The bundle offers immediate download and lifetime access. Prices on StackSocial may change.
Windows 11 is getting a native Feature Flags page, and it could make Vivetool obsolete
Winsage
April 4, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a native Feature Flags page, and it could make Vivetool obsolete

Microsoft is set to introduce a "Feature Flags" page in Windows 11 that will allow users to enable experimental features more easily. Currently, users rely on the third-party application Vivetool to access hidden functionalities in preview builds. The Feature Flags page is still in an experimental phase and not yet active. It was discovered by a user known as PhantomOfEarth, who has been using Vivetool. The page aims to provide a list of features under development, but it may only display features closer to completion, potentially keeping some tools hidden.
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